Efcc Files Amended Charge Against Metuh

BEVERLY HILLS, February 18, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh amended seven-count charge bothering on money laundering and fraud related charges against Olisah Metuh, national publicity secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The anti-graft agancy, before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleged that Metuh received N400 million from Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser (NSA).

He was also alleged to have given Tony Anenih the sum of N21.7 million, however, having taken a fresh not guilty plea, Metuh through his counsel Onyeachi Ikpeazu, prayed the court to allow him enjoy the bail conditions earlier granted him, an application to which Sylvanus Tahir, prosecuting counsel, did not object to.

The court ruled that the defendant should keep enjoying the earlier bail granted him while Metuh made a no case submission over the charges against him at the resumption of the matter.

Ikpeazu told the court that “while he understands that this is a criminal trial, he wishes to make a no case submission on the charges against his client.”

“My lord, having perused the evidences made so far, I will be making a no case submission in line Sections 302, 303 and 357 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as this is a criminal matter.”

In his response, Sylvanus Tahir, the prosecuting counsel, averred that it was the right of the defense to make a no case submission except that it might not necessarily be an application under Section 302 of the ACJA as mentioned by the defendant.

On this, the judge, Okon Abang said the defense counsel was in control of his brief and at liberty to take decisions he considered necessary for the defendant.

Abang however gave the defense until the end of the day to file and serve their written addresses, the prosecution, and three days from today, to reply in opposition to the no case submission.

Abang also ordered that upon service of the prosecution addresses, the defense was expected to respond within 24 hours and adjourned the matter to Thursday, February 25, 2016, for adoption of parties written addresses for or against the defense.

Story by David Oputah